Effects of a Multitouch Keyboard on Wrist Posture, Typing Performance and Comfort
Authors: Thom-Santelli, Jennifer; Hedge, Alan
Source: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting Proceedings, Computer Systems , pp. 646-650(5)
Publisher: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Abstract:
This study compares the use of a conventional keyboard (CK) and a prototype ultra-low profile MultiTouch keyless keyboard (MTK) that only requires contact force to register a keystroke and allows mousing and gestural input on the same surface. Twelve subjects completed eight randomly assigned 7.5-minute typing tasks of text passages of similar difficulty and identical length for each keyboard condition. Typing speed, accuracy, wrist postures and user comfort were measured. Subjects, typed slower (F1,11 = 41.86, p=0.000) and less accurately (F1,11 = 23.55, p=0.001) on the MTK during the typing tasks. Mean wrist extension was lower for the MTK (F1,11= 10.205, p=0.000) while radial and ulnar deviation did not differ significantly between the two keyboards.. Subjects preferred the CK and reported a higher level of ease (F1,11 = 49.732, p=0.00) and enjoyment (F1,11 = 51.129, p=0.00) during its use. In terms of comfort, subjects reported a higher level of ease and enjoyment in the CK condition. Familiarity and fatigue effects affected the results.Document Type: Research article
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